THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD:
7th/8th January 2017
Dear Parishioners,
The Epiphany of the Lord
The Epiphany is one of the great feasts of the liturgical year and is celebrated with great solemnity. On this day
Christians of every liturgical tradition have always commemorated the manifestation of the Word of God to humanity in
three different events. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to pray for all religions, that we work together in
spreading God's word and love to all nations and people. We reflect on the birth of the Messiah which is
represented by the Magi; at his Baptism, he reveals himself to the people of Israel; and through the miracle at Cana
Jesus reveals his divinity to his disciples who represent the Church.
The story of the journey of the Magi searching for Jesus is an opportunity for us to reflect on our own faith journey.
As the Magi were guided by a star on their journey, we also have received guidance along the way. We can use this day
to recall with gratitude what stars we have followed. Who were the people whose example and advice helped us along the
way? Who were our companions on the journey? Perhaps we had experiences that changed us and opened us up to a deeper
understanding of the value of faith. Never be afraid to share your faith with others. The Magi lost sight of the star,
then found it again and were 'filled with delight' as the star led them to Jesus. How true of our own faith. We
have our doubts; we wander away and then are drawn back to the Lord.
The movable feasts for 2017
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Mary Mother of God
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1st January
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The Epiphany of the Lord
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8th January
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The Baptism of the Lord
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9th January
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Ash Wednesday
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1st March
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Easter Sunday
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16th April
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The Ascension of the Lord
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28th May
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Pentecost Sunday
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4th June
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The Most Holy Trinity
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11th June
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The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
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18th June
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The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
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23rd June
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The Assumption of the B.V.M
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15th August
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Our Lord Jesus Christ Universal King
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26th November
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1st Sunday of Advent
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3rd December
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The Holy Family
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31st December
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On behalf of Cath and myself we wish everyone in our parish family and community a very happy and holy New Year to each
one of you and your families. May it bring many blessings and joy in the Lord. Amen.
Deacon Kevin
Notices:
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MESSAGE FROM KEVIN AND CATH We would both like to thank all Parishioners who sent us Christmas cards
and for the numerous gifts received. We both appreciate all you have done for us and for your support. Assuring you
all of a special remembrance in our daily prayers. God Bless you.
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FIRST HOLY COMMUNION There is a meeting for the Children on Saturday 14 January at 10am. The Theme
of Caring Mass is on Sunday 15 January at 9am Looking forward to seeing you all.
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TONY BROOKS RIP Please remember in your prayers the repose of the soul of Tony Brooks who passed
away on the 1st January. Tony had been servicing the heating of St. Augustine's since the Church opened. Many of
the senior parishioners may remember him and his wife Margaret. Please keep Margaret and the family in your prayers.
May Tony rest in peace. Amen.
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THE AUGUSTINIAN We are preparing the next edition of "The Augustinian" for publication
early in the New Year. We will welcome any contributions for it, fact or fiction, serious or frivolous, short or
long. Please send them to Chris Thompson click here to
Email
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DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES SUN 23 - FRI 28 JULY led by Bishop Alan. Experienced medical team
and plenty of help for those with mobility needs. The pilgrimage is suitable for couples, individuals, and groups of
friends; all are welcome. There is a full programme to opt in and out of. More info from Cathy O'Connor: 01206
735623
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FLAME CONGRESS, SSE WEMBLEY ARENA, SAT 11 MARCH Open to all aged 15-23. Travel with the
Brentwood Catholic Youth Service to the largest Catholic youth event in the country! Includes music by Grammy Award
winner Matt Redman, talks from the Cardinal Archbishop of Myanmar (Burma), experiences shared by young people who
have worked in refugee camps in Jordan, conversation with Fr Augusto Zampini, who was once a parish priest in the
slums of Buenos Aires and now works very closely with Pope Francis, and input from Sarah Teather, once an MP and now
head of the Jesuit Refugee Service. Tickets limited - cost £15 plus your train fare. We will meet you at
Liverpool St or Fenchurch St station. Book with Gabby on 01268 515970 or
click here to Email.
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STUDY DAY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN at Christ the Eternal High Priest, Gidea Park, RM2 6DH, Sat 18 March
11am-3pm. The theme is 'The Journey of Faith in the Gospel of John'. The day will be led by Fr Victor
Darlington, professor of Scripture at St John's Seminary, Wonersh and will include exploration of the Lenten
Sunday Gospels from the Gospel of John. Free admission, tea & coffee provided, but please bring a packed lunch.
Ample free parking at the church, which is three minutes walk from Gidea Park Station. Booking is essential, click here to Email. Fr Adrian Graffy
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MEETING THE 'LIVING GOD' SEMINARS all at Cathedral House, Brentwood, 10.30am-12noon.
Contact Tel.01277265285 or click here to Email
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Seminar 1: Sat 21 Jan The unspoken genocide: Christian persecution in the twenty first century.
Speaker: Fr Martin Boland, Dean of Brentwood Cathedral.
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Seminar 2: Sat 4 March The three marks of Easter Faith. Speaker: Bishop Emeritus Thomas McMahon
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Seminar 3: Sat 18 March With Christ during Lent. Speaker: Bishop Alan Williams, sm
Please remember to pray for:
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died
Years Mind:
Sunday: Leo Von Buttlar, Florence Westhorp
Thursday: Fr Francis Dobson
Saturday: Fr John King
Next Sunday - Second Sunday of Year A
First Reading Isaiah 49: 3, 5-6
I will make you the light of the nations so that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.
Second Reading 1 Corinthians: 1-3
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ send you grace and peace.
Gospel John 1:29-34
Look, there is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world,